The U.S. monthly international trade deficit decreased in April 2012, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and the U.S. Census Bureau. The deficit decreased from $52.6 billion (revised) in March to $50.1 billion in April, as imports decreased more than exports. The previously published March deficit was $51.8 billion. The goods deficit decreased $2.7 billion from March to $64.8 billion in April, and the services surplus decreased $0.1 billion to $14.8 billion.

Exports of goods and services decreased $1.5 billion in April to $182.9 billion, mostly reflecting a decrease in exports of goods. Exports of services also decreased.

The decrease in exports of goods was more than accounted for by decreases in capital goods and industrial supplies and materials.

The decrease in exports of services was more than accounted for by a decrease in other private services (which includes items such as business, professional, and technical services; insurance services; and financial services). Changes in the other categories of services exports were small.

Imports of goods and services decreased $4.1 billion in April to $233.0 billion, reflecting a decrease in imports of goods. Imports of services increased.

The decrease in imports of goods resulted from decreases in all major categories. The largest decreases were in capital goods and industrial supplies and materials.

The increase in imports of services was more than accounted for by an increase in other private services.